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Schneider Electric and M&S: Partnering for Decarbonisation
Marks & Spencer has partnered with Schneider Electric to launch RE:Spark, a programme to accelerate renewable energy adoption in its global supply chain
Marks & Spencer has formed a new partnership with Schneider Electric to launch a supply chain decarbonisation programme named RE:Spark.
The initiative is focused on promoting the adoption of renewable energy throughout the retailer’s global supply chain, aligning with its wider sustainability goals and efforts to build more resilient supply networks.
As a major retailer, M&S has been working to improve environmental performance across its operations for some time.
Accelerating supply chain decarbonisation with RE:Spark
Its Plan A sustainability strategy outlines a goal of achieving net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040.
M&S has also made moves in circularity through its Another Life scheme where customers can trade in pre-loved items via an online takeback system.
These items are then sold through the M&S x eBay store with profits supporting Oxfam.
This new partnership with Schneider Electric represents another step in its strategy.
The RE:Spark programme, unveiled at Schneider Electric's Innovation Summit North America aims to speed up the adoption of renewable electricity across the M&S global fashion supply chain.
The initiative will be implemented in warehouses and manufacturing facilities powering everything from lighting to the machinery used in clothing production and the vehicles for goods transport.
The programme is set for a three-year rollout focusing initially on high-impact regions within its fashion and food supply chains.
“We believe sustainability should be embedded in everything we do, from how we source products to supporting our supply partners and customers to do the right thing,” says Katharine Beacham, Head of Sourcing and Materials in Fashion, Home & Beauty at M&S.
"We know that real change happens when we collaborate. RE:Spark is designed to ignite new ideas and unlock renewable energy opportunities for our supply base so we can build a supply chain that’s fit for the future and the planet.
"It’s part of our broader commitment to achieving meaningful impact across our business and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Tackling Scope 3 emissions through collaboration
The RE:Spark initiative is designed to address Scope 3 emissions, which are those that occur within the M&S supply chain.
According to some reports these can make up to 80% of a retailer's total emissions and are often the most difficult to track and reduce.
The programme will focus on several key areas to foster transparency and collaboration between M&S and its supplier base.
- Digital hub: M&S is launching a digital portal powered by Schneider Electric's Zeigo Hub. This allows suppliers to submit emissions data, track their decarbonisation progress and access learning resources to better understand carbon reduction.
- Boost education: M&S plans to host regional market briefings and webinars for suppliers in five key regions including Bangladesh, China, India, Turkey and Vietnam. These sessions are intended to help suppliers learn about renewable electricity procurement.
- Provide advice: M&S will offer strategic advisory services across its supply chain, guiding suppliers in assessing and implementing clean energy solutions. This covers green tariffs, onsite solar, energy attribute certificates and purchase power agreements (PPAs).
- Growth: M&S aims to help suppliers aggregate their demand for the PPAs, which will allow smaller suppliers to get involved in multi-buyer cohorts. This approach could allow them to access renewable energy at a large scale.
“As an energy technology company, we’re proud to be working with M&S to help suppliers overcome barriers to renewable electricity adoption,” says Steve Wilhite, Executive Vice President, SE Advisory Services.
“RE:Spark is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive scalable, impactful change across global supply chains.”
Building on existing sustainability initiatives
In 2024, M&S sponsored 24 facilities to participate in the Apparel Impact Institute’s Carbon Leadership Programme which supports suppliers in analysing their energy consumption to improve efficiency and switch to lower-carbon fuels.
According to the institute this initiative can result in up to a 30% reduction in emissions.
The new partnership with Schneider Electric allows M&S to scale up its sustainability efforts on a more global level.
By focusing on its entire supply chain, M&S is taking a major step to address its overall environmental impact and build a more sustainable business model for the future.
SOURCE: SUSTAINABILITY MAGAZINE
